I think this story is so relative. It is something that more and more people are experiencing unfortunately. Liv and Finn lived through something that was so devastating and with the documentary bringng them back to town and bringing up all the old memories, some memories are harder to forget than others. The two of them were drawn to each other then, and they still are, but things are different now.
I love this series so much. These people are so scarred, emotionally and physically and these characters are so well written that you feel their struggles deeply.
Thank you to Sourcebooks, Netgalley and Roni Loren for an early copy.

Thank you Netgalley and sourcebooks for the e-Arc. I was so looking forward to this book however at 22% mark had to dnf it. I have loved roni lorens books but this is my least favorite of hers and I am bummed out i was super looking forward to it.

he Ones Who Got Away revisits the survivors of a high school shooting 12 years after the incident, and Roni Loren's depiction of their trauma was poignant and respectful. While I found many aspects of the story absorbing and engaging, other aspects didn't work as well for me.

I’m picky about second chance romances, but when it is high school sweethearts who reunite as adults? Sign me up! Alas, the promise of the premise went unfulfilled. Liv and Finn's transition to lovers felt disjointed and rushed, with an emphasis on sex over emotion.

Although I have a tendency to be hard on heroes, I do feel compelled to stick up for Finn. He was a confused and frightened teenager, and he tortured himself for his actions for years. Can we not call him a coward? I've read some truly garbage "heroes" in my day, and Finn doesn't belong in their ranks.

Despite the well-written scenes exploring friendship born in tragedy and life after trauma, the lukewarm romance made The Ones Who Got Away a mixed reading experience. But 3 stars isn’t anything to cry about, and since I genuinely liked the supporting characters, I will read the second book.

I've enjoyed all of Roni Loren's books that I've read but hadn't picked up this one because of the sensitive topic. Her books always do a really nice job of blending very deep and difficult real life situations with finding love and happy endings even through those hard times.

In The Ones Who Got Away, we're introduced to a group of people who survive a deadly school shooting when they were in high school. They are reunited ten years later when a documentary crew brings them together for interviews. This first book in the series follows Finn and Olivia. They had been in a secret relationship in high school and can't deny that the sparks between them are still there when they reunite. Olivia has thrown herself into her career and Finn is in between undercover missions in his job as a federal agent. The two have one summer together to work through their baggage and old flame.

I really liked that this story was told in dual POV - it made the character development a lot more satisfying. We get to see both Olivia and Finn work through the lasting impacts of what they survived, and also craft a future for themselves individually and together. I also appreciated the female friendships introduced among the survivors which sets up the series very nicely. I thought there were some loose ends that weren't tied up before the ending, and I wanted to see Olivia and Finn work through some things together (they tended to fall back on their sexual attraction when hard stuff came up). Overall I enjoyed this a lot and appreciated how Loren struck a hopeful tone while not dismissing or minimizing the experience of Olivia and Finn. I would definitely read other books in this series.

Content flags: descriptions of school shooting/gun violence; parental abandonment and dysfunction; episodes of PTSD described on page

I voluntarily read a gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Roni Loren's "The Ones Who Got Away" isn't just a story; it's a journey into the depths of loss, love, and redemption that lingers in the heart long after the final page. Liv Arias and Finn Dorsey's reunion after twelve years pulls at the strings of nostalgia and unspoken desires, painting a poignant picture of second chances amidst tragedy.

Loren's portrayal of characters is masterful; Liv and Finn are not just protagonists but living, breathing souls with scars from the past that shape their present. Their rekindled romance crackles with intensity, fueled by unresolved emotions and the rawness of shared trauma.

What struck me most about this novel is its ability to balance the weight of its subject matter with moments of hope and tenderness. While the story delves into the darkness of loss and survivor's guilt, it also illuminates the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of love.

I found myself completely immersed in Liv and Finn's journey, rooting for their happiness amidst the shadows of the past. Loren's writing is evocative, drawing readers into a world where pain and passion collide, leaving an indelible mark on the soul.

In essence, "The Ones Who Got Away" is more than just a romance novel; it's a testament to the strength of the human heart and the transformative power of love. It's a story that resonates long after the final page, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.

A timely read about the after effects of gun violence plaguing our schools. Two former survivors, one considered the hero and other spared, reunite years later for a second-chance. These two former friends, secretly would sneak away giving in teenage passion. Two families, one rich and one the hired help with a daughter the son is obsessing.

The Ones Who Got Away is an emotional read with likable characters coming of age for love. Their chemistry makes for a riveting love story with two people overcoming a shattered past.

Thank you, Sourcebooks Casablanca

I loved the say everything trilogy and couldn't wait to dive into this one. I requested it blindly, purely on loving the authors other works and whoa does it start our HEAVY. But I also cannot wait to read the rest of the books in the series.

An always been you, shadowed by tragedy story. After not having seen each other in over a decade, Finn and Liv are brought back to their hometown to be a part of a documentary on the events that occurred on prom night. Secretly dating in high school (him the jock, her the family's gardener's daughter), and reconnecting after running into each other and trying to not fall back into old patterns but also trying to tackle some big obstacles, emotionally, physically, we spend most of the book watching them grow back together, as intentionally as they can.

Even if a story has heavy undertones as a major part of the plot, I'm here for it. Highly recommend reading something more light hearted after but at the end of the day, Finn and Liv's story had all the chemistry and heartfelt moments that you would normally hope for.



Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the ARC in exchange for my review!

I was a little nervous going into a romance about survivors of a school shooting. But deeply appreciated how Loren made the shooting piece second or even third to the romance and the characters' growth. 12 years after the shooting that changed their lives forever, 4 friends reunite for a documentary. They also run into Finn, a fellow survivor. Liv and Finn's secret romance left them with unresolved chemistry years later. Their proximity and shared past lead to the best kind of heat and romance. I couldn't put this book down. I went it with exceptionally low expectations and just couldn't stop. I fully intend to get the rest of the stories as soon as possible!

CW: school shooting/violence, bullying, PTSD, mental health difficulties

The Ones Who Got Away tells the story of Liv and Finn - two former students who were witnesses/victims of a mass shooting at their high school. They've returned home for the first time in 10 years to take part in a documentary about the shooting to benefit victims' families. Liv and Finn haven't spoken since the shooting and have both led very different lives - each dealing with their pain and attempting to heal in their own ways. They weren't expecting to reconnect at the documentary filming, in fact - Liv was actively planning to avoid Finn - but those plans changed.
Roni Loren writes a heartbreaking account of what happens "after."
After the shooting, After the graduation, After everyone else has moved on...
Loren is able to depict the tremendous pain and trauma of the survivors without overshadowing their resiliency and strength. The Ones Who Got Away is a stark reminder that you are not the label(s) you've been given - whether positive or negative - it's the life you create for yourself and what you do with the opportunities you have that really matters. You decide who you want to be and write your own story.
This is a tough read - but a heartbreakingly beautiful (must) read.
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was fantastic, I loved the characters and their stories. Overall k really can’t wait to own this book and recommend it to other people.

I loved this book! The two main characters are so well written. I was sucked in from the very beginning. I love the setting and the back story. My favorite was when is had two different times in high school and in the present. The love story is beautiful and felt like I was in the story line with them. I felt so good afterwards. This book torn me apart but heals and put me back together by the end. I love a love story that can be found from something tragic. And a sweet treat for the author to give back from the proceeds is amazing!!

another enjoyable read from Roni Loren. i respect how she approached this extremely heavy topic - one i count myself lucky to be unfamiliar with.

there was a lot of angst - almost too much? i wasn't a fan of the constant back and forth.

will definitely be picking up the rest of the books in this series!!

I am drawn to books that have the aftermath of a mass shooting as a theme, so I was intrigued as soon as I read the description of The Ones Who Got Away, which focuses on the survivors of a school shooting many years later. This was a heartfelt read, and I recommend it to anyone interested in the genre.

This was the book that put Roni Loren on my radar. She chose a challenging topic for a romance, it's not only emotional one but also unresolved for us as a country. Yet she handled it beautifully, she faced the tough issues yet still gave us a great romance. Highly recommend.

This book was the first in a 4 part series. This book features second chance love, rediscovering friendship, and purpose; as well as some heavier topics such as PTSD, anxiety/panic attacks, and school shootings. I found the characters likeable and relatable. I often found myself smirking or giggly at the sarcasm throughout. The love story was cute that definitely kept me rooting for them and there was also some spice. Even though I didn't agree with the male main characters decision In the end, I wasn't left feeling unsatisfied. I enjoyed the writing making it a quick and easy read for me.

At first, I was upset when the book ended because I felt like some things did not have closure with other characters or back story. But then I realized it's a series and I got excited to read the rest of the books.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca, Roni Loren, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC for my honest opinion. What I love about the romance genre is that it can take on real life issues and get us an HEA. Case in point, The Ones Who Got Away is about two former high school loves who reunite 12 years later. But they are reuniting because of a documentary being filmed at their high school about the horrific school shooting they both endured. Though I was not fully invested in Liv and Finn's romance, I commend the author on her gentle approach to this horrible reality in America, And I think it is wonderful she is reprinting the book and donating a portion of sales to a Sandy Hook nonprofit.

I've loved this book!!
I never thought I could love so much this kind of story, I didn't even think there could be such a beautiful story between two shooting survivors. Roni Loren has writen a heartful and sexy love story, I don't even have words that can describe how I felt when I was reading.
If you need an unforgetable love story, you must read this book.

A moving story

“The Ones Who Get Away” is the first book in Roni Lorens' series of the same name and tells the story of Liv and Finn's story.

PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNING!

“The Ones Who Get Away” is an exciting and touching story about survivors of a mass shooting. This book begins the story of survivors of a school shooting and the focus of the first book is Liv and Finn.

For me, who never had to fear such a rampage, the story was interesting, exciting, but also very moving. Roni Loren's writing style grabbed me straight away and the story is very easy to read despite the topic.

However, the love story between Liv and Finn didn't really grab me. Both are tormented by the past and I have to be honest that I didn't always find the reappraisal authentic. Also, I didn't warm up to Finn and I just missed the attraction between the protagonists.

Therefore, “The Ones Who Get Away” gets 3 out of 5 stars from me.

Having requested this arc I realised that I read this series upon its first publication several years ago. Nonetheless it was enjoyable enough to dive back in and rediscover the characters. There was tact in the storyline and the relationship between the characters and I felt the author dealt with the emotions well. It isn't easy to handle a topic so fraught with public opinion.

Thank you to netgalley and the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 3.5/5

Thank you to Bloom for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Okay new cover, I see you and it's so beautiful.

Roni Loren is a special writer. She has this unique and delightful way of normalizing taboo topics and trauma in her books, showing that people can have a happy ending/deserve love no matter what “happened” to them.

A lot of this story tackles Liv and Finn's individual grief and processing journey. I loved how supportive this friendship group supported one another and truly watching them heal and learn to live their life to the fullest.

This is my lowest ranked in the series I think because I was missing a bit something but I still think this is a novel worth reading.